![Andre Agassi Tennis [Model SNS-7A-USA] screenshot](images/game/62721_2.png "Andre Agassi Tennis [Model SNS-7A-USA]")
Andre Agassi Tennis © 1994 TecMagik.
Andre Agassi Tennis is a sports simulation that aims to capture the intensity of professional tennis during the height of Agassi’s popularity. Developed by TecMagik, the game features a variety of modes, including exhibition matches, tournament play, and a career mode where the player creates a custom athlete and climbs the professional rankings. The gameplay utilizes a camera angle positioned behind the player, providing a clear view of the court and allowing for a range of shot types, including serves, volleys, lobs, and smashes. While it captures the professional licensing of the era, the gameplay leans more towards accessible, fast-paced arcade action rather than a deeply complex technical simulation.
![Goodies for Andre Agassi Tennis [Model SNS-7A-USA]](images/covermini160/62721_1.jpg)
GAMI ID: SNS-7A-USA
Released in May 1994 in the USA.
The Agassi Branding:
The game was released at a time when Andre Agassi was one of the most recognizable and polarizing figures in tennis. His inclusion as the cover star was a major marketing push to bring the style and flair of the sport to the console, capitalizing on his "image is everything" reputation.
The "Behind-the-Back" Perspective:
Unlike many tennis games of the time that used a side-view or an overhead perspective, this title committed to the "behind-the-player" camera angle. This was a design choice intended to give players a better sense of depth perception and ball trajectory, which was crucial for timing shots accurately.
Career Customization:
One of the most appreciated features for its time was the career mode, which allowed players to create their own character. You could distribute points into different attributes like speed, strength, and accuracy, giving the game a light RPG-like progression system that kept players invested beyond single exhibition matches.
Varying Court Surfaces:
The game features different court surfaces—including hard court, grass, and clay—which subtly influence the bounce speed and slide mechanics. While not as sophisticated as modern simulations, it was a significant feature in 1993, forcing players to adjust their strategy based on the venue.
TecMagik's Design Philosophy:
TecMagik was known for pushing the presentation of their sports titles, often focusing on colorful aesthetics and fast UI navigation. This title is no exception, featuring bright, clear court graphics that were designed to look good even on standard-definition television sets.
Technical Reception:
While the game was praised for its presentation and the inclusion of Agassi's likeness, it received mixed reviews from critics regarding its ball physics and AI behavior. Some felt the movement was slightly floaty compared to the rigid, precise controls of other tennis titles on the system, leading to a somewhat distinct "feel" that polarized fans of the genre.